The Board of Education is concerned for the safety and welfare of all students and school personnel in school and at school-sponsored activities. For this reason the Board prohibits student possession and/or use of weapons or other dangerous instruments in any school building on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity.  

Possession and/or use of any such dangerous weapon by a student on or off school grounds is cause for expulsion of the student for a calendar year.  The period of expulsion may be modified, by the Board or hearing panel on a case by case basis.  To comply with federal law, any finding of an exception shall be reduced to writing.  Students in violation of this policy will be reported to law enforcement authorities. 

(cf. 5114 - Suspension/Expulsion: Due Process) 
(cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure) 

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes  

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules. 

10-233a through 10-233f - Expulsion as amended by PA 95-304

53a-3 Definitions. 

53a-217b - Possession of firearms and deadly weapons on school grounds 

53-206 Carrying and sale of dangerous weapons. 

PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety.

GOALS 2000: Educate America Act 

18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions. 

USCA 7151 No Child Left Behind 

Policy adopted:  June 8, 2004

Hamden Public Schools     Hamden, Connecticut